Posts tagged Summer | Page 5 of 22 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Cleveland Museum of Art Engagement Session – Ali & Dan

“I’m not very photogenic,” Ali said, sunset wrapping around her edges at the start of her Cleveland Museum of Art engagement session. I hear this refrain all the time. “No worries, that’s why you hire a professional,” I said, flashing a wide smile. Most of my clients start their engagement session with some nerves. By the end, universally everyone feels comfortable, having had a great time.

So was the case with Ali & Dan. As we walked around the museum campus, they quickly loosened up, becoming their radiant selves. They began to smile more. They embraced deeply. They even laughed at my stupid jokes. Within minutes, we had found our flow.

When I shoot film, I really slow down and “watch” through the viewfinder like it’s a movie camera. The “right” moments start to stand out. As I watched, I could see Ali & Dan just being themselves. Watch…wait…click.

A Cleveland Museum of Art engagement session is always my favorite, and I don’t think I will ever tire of the museum. The photos below are no exception. I certainly can’t wait for Ali & Dan’s wedding…next year! For now, I certainly hope you enjoy the highlights below.

A sunset Cleveland Museum of Art engagement session with Ali and Dan.

Windows on the River Wedding – Lisa & Dan

Comfort can be an amazing feeling. It gives you peace and makes everything that much easier. Especially on a wedding day, where stress can run high. For Lisa & Dan’s Windows on the River wedding, comfort seemed to abound. Like when Dan’s mother greeted me at her door. She immediately set me at ease and knew the plan. I’m always most at ease when there is a plan!

This story was very much the same for the rest of Lisa & Dan’s wedding at St. Bernadette’s Church in Westlake and Windows on the River in downtown Cleveland. All of their family and friends were relaxed and comfortable, ready for the excitement of the day to begin. By the time I reached Lisa’s family home that morning, all the bridesmaids were dressed and ready to go. Lisa was running a bit late at the salon, but no one was worried, especially me.

At the ceremony itself, the priest set a relaxed tone, encouraging laughter & happiness throughout the ceremony. Then the big moments came. Rings were exchanged, solemn vows given and an emotional kiss exchanged. If there was any stress, it evaporated in that moment.

What followed were breathtaking moments spent with friends and family. From portraits in the city to an amazing wedding reception set right in downtown Cleveland. The toasts were filled with laughter and love. Even a few tears were shed. And if I understand correctly, their amazing party went late into the night.

Speaking of night – Lisa, Dan, and I took a few minutes at the end of the night to capture a few photos set against the Cleveland skyline. I love these “end of night” photos, especially when we can catch the setting sun. Below are just a few highlights from Lisa & Dan’s beautiful wedding. I certainly hope you enjoy. For Lisa & Dan – I can’t thank you enough for having me as a small part of your wedding day. It’s been a thrill!

A summery Windows on the River wedding in downtown Cleveland A summer wedding at Windows on the River with Lisa and Daniel. A summery Windows on the River wedding in downtown Cleveland A summery Windows on the River wedding in downtown Cleveland A summery Windows on the River wedding in downtown Cleveland

Anna & Bryan – A Sunny Engagement Session at Holden Arboretum

Strangely enough, I hadn’t met Anna & Bryan in person before their summer engagement session at Holden Arboretum. They originally found me through a recommendation from their wedding planner, so we hadn’t had the opportunity to meet yet. As their car pulled down the drive at Holden, I saw Anna’s hand wave from the window.

I stood on the sidewalk and Anna approached. She was wearing this gorgeous, lacy white top with jeans – the perfect casual outfit. I think she asked “Is this OK,” gesturing to her outfit. “It’s perfect,” I replied. Before long, we were joined by Bryan, and we set off into Holden Arboretum.

“Nervous,” I asked? Both Anna and Bryan were unusually relaxed. They were clearly comfortable with each other and quickly became comfortable in front of the camera. The whole time we were working, Bryan did a great job of making Anna laugh. He even kept me laughing as well.

As we walked around Holden, one of my favorite locations, we would shoot a little and chat a little. We chatted about work, weather and wedding planning. We also chatted about their actual engagement. Anna & Bryan live in Shaker Heights, not far from the Shaker Lakes (ponds really). Frequently they take walks together around the ponds.

As Anna tells it, they walk together around the ponds nearly every weekend. Their consistent path always takes them over a little stone bridge. Anyone familiar with the area would know this exact bridge. On this particular weekend, they stopped at the bridge to enjoy the scenery. Anna, glancing quickly over to Bryan, noticed he had taken a knee, rink in hand.

By the end of their engagement session, everything had gone perfectly. The sun beamed through the entire session, as we paced the grounds at Holden. Below are just a few highlights from this sunny, loving session. I certainly hope you enjoy!

A summer engagement session at Holden Arboretum with Anna and Bryan.

Tagged: Summer